Scottie Pippen Beatdown Victim Spit at Me Called Me the N-Word

Scottie Pippen’s claiming he attacked a fan in Malibu this weekend in self-defense … after the man called him the n-word and then spit at him.

Sources close to Pippen tell us, the middle-aged man who got his ass kicked by Pippen outside Nobu Sunday night was a drunk, overly aggressive fan who had been badgering Pippen for attention all evening … beginning inside Nobu, where Pippen was eating with friends.

At one point, we’re told one of Pippen’s dinner guests went to the bathroom … and the man sat in the guest’s place … continuing to pester Pippen with questions. We’re told Pippen bit his tongue and politely asked the man to leave.

After the meal, we’re told Pippen agreed to take a photo with the man outside the restaurant … but the man continued to be aggressive, demanding an autograph as well. Pippen refused and we’re told that’s when the man dropped the n-bomb, shoved the NBA legend, then spat at him.